History

The Central church, which began in 1911, was a growing force for good for more than 70 years. It assisted in the founding of numerous congregations in South Florida while maintaining a deep commitment and involvement in foreign missions. In 1959 a new building was built in the center of Miami. However, with the passing years, the neighborhood around the building went through cultural and economic changes which required a relocation.

For many years the Central church supported missionaries in Cuba. After the revolution many Cubans emigrated to Miami. With doors to Cuba closed to evangelism, Central began a Spanish-speaking ministry. From the beginning, the Hispanic and Anglo works were considered one church with two languages.

The South Miami church first met in 1926 and enjoyed a stable growth and ministry for the next 68 years. However, by 1984 the elders saw the need for a more adequate building. In a search for new property, these elders discovered they were looking to locate in the same area as the Central church.

At this time Lynn Cook, preacher at South Miami for 13 years, decided to move to Arkansas. This prompted the South Miami elders to approach the Central elders about the possibility of merger. The elders agreed to merge in September 1984.

Ancil Jenkins, who had moved to work with the Central church in the spring of 1984, preached for both congregations until June 1985. After the Central property was sold, the church began to meet in the South Miami building.

In 1990 a group made an offer for the South Miami property. This necessitated the church meeting in a school for more than a year while the new building was finished. The first service in the new building was in August of 1991.

All church programs and plans were disrupted by Hurricane Andrew in August 1992. The Sunset church became one of the centers of disaster relief in Dade County. The new building allowed volunteer workers to be fed and housed. This work continued for nine months after the hurricane. In all, Sunset distributed more than a million dollars in cash and several million in goods and services. This was possible because of the generous contributions of sister congregations.

Opportunities

The aftermath of Hurricane Andrew led the leaders of Sunset to a new awareness of the church's opportunities. The unique area provides many unique situations for ministry. The resources of the church uniquely match these opportunities. Its resources include a membership of diverse makeup. Members comes from different economic, age, and ethnic groups. The location of the present building is in a stable residential area. However, numerous people move in and out each year. This movement presents opportunities to minister to newcomers to the area. The church is part of an advertising program to contact all new people in the area. Dade County is the residence of more than two million people, larger than seventeen states. Of these about 50% are Hispanic. The Spanish-speaking work has enjoyed steady growth because of its evangelistic efforts. The possibilities of reaching this ethnic group living in Miami seem limitless. The climate for public education presents difficulties to many parents. For this reason, private schools are in demand. For many years Tropical Christian School has used the facilities at South Miami and now the Sunset Church of Christ. Approximately 85% of the students are from a non-Church of Christ background. The church provides numerous opportunities for school parents to become involved. Once a year, all parents are invited to worship and Sunday dinner. This has been well attended. Each year parents accept the truth and have been baptized.

New Motivation to Evangelism

The success of the Hispanic part of the church spurred several Anglo members to a new commitment to evangelism and church growth. This began with a weekly meeting of those interested in reaching others.

In the beginning the purpose of this group was to make assignments for contacts with visitors. In addition the group began to discuss evangelism and to make plans for developing a greater outreach program. At each meeting all men prayed for this work, often calling by name the persons they were contacting. They continue to meet each Sunday morning prior to Bible study. In recent days, its focus has been more on prayer than anything else.

What Works for Sunset

Sunset designates four Sundays a year as times of outreach. These days are widely announced and promoted. Attendance on these days is always larger than other Sundays, sometimes as much as 25%. Each aspect of the worship is explained so those first-time visitors will feel comfortable.

One of the four Sundays is designated as "Friends Day." Each member is encouraged to invite as many friends as possible. The morning worship is followed by a dinner for the whole church and all guests. A devotional service follows this dinner with many guests remaining.

The parents and children of Tropical Christian School present an unique challenge and opportunity. The school uses the Sunset building during the week. The elders serve as the board of directors. Approximately 75% of the parents are not members of the church.

One outreach effort is Tropical Christian School Sunday. This occurs shortly after school begins in the fall. At the worship students, faculty, and staff are recognized. All parents are invited to the dinner following worship. After the devotional following the meal, the students present a singing program.

In 1996 Sunset conducted its first Community Sunday. Each organization making a contribution to the quality of life of the community is invited to have a representative present. Fire and police departments, hospitals, medical care givers, and others present are recognized. In 1997 we plan to make an annual award to one organization providing outstanding service.

The final outreach Sunday is "Blessed to Be a Blessing" day. This is the Sunday prior to Thanksgiving. On this day members, school parents, and visitors are urged to bring staple groceries with them. These are sorted into bags which are delivered to the needy. In 1996 more than 200 bags of groceries were distributed. In the afternoon the small group program of the church meets. At this time, those who have delivered groceries share their experiences. Visitors are invited to these groups.

Telephone Outreach

In 1996 Sunset conducted a telephone campaign to contact area residents. Fifteen temporary phone lines were available at the church building. For 20 nights in August and September more than 100 people had some part in this work. In addition to phone calling, some entered data into the computer data base, provided refreshments, and prayed.

More than 14,000 phone calls were made. Ten percent of those contacted indicated some interest in receiving more information about the Sunset church. These received five pieces of direct mail over a period of eight weeks.

Each home expressing interest was phoned again during the week prior to Community Sunday. About 200 indicated they would attend this day. Of course all did not come, but this day produced the largest attendance of the year, despite the rain.

Future Plans

The greatest area needing improvement is contacting visitors. A new program is in the process of being activated which will provide much more involvement with visitors. The goal is to contact each first-time visitor seven times in the week following their attendance. If they return, they are encouraged to be involved in small group Bible studies or a special Bible School class.

More effort is planned for parents of new students enrolled in Tropical Christian School. A counseling session with either a minister or an elder is scheduled. Each new parent in the middle school who is not spiritually active will be asked to enroll in a program of organized Bible study -- small group, Sunday morning class, or home Bible study.

Results

When the results of both the Hispanic and Anglo works are combined, the numbers are significant. In the past year 89 were baptized. The Anglo total was fifteen. Of these, thirteen were adults with no prior church contact.

What works at Sunset will not work in every place. The cultural climate of this area dictates some different approaches. However, those with a similar makeup might want to consider what works for us.

We have learned that the work of evangelism begins with prayer and personal dedication. When we decide that our friends without the gospel are lost, we will find a way to reach out to them.